Viable pipe bomb found in North Antrim village

Bomb disposal experts have made a functioning pipe-bomb safe in the County Antrim village of Loughguile.

A security alert in the Corkey Road area is continuing today (Monday) after police received reports of suspect device on Sunday morning.

Police have branded the actions of those who left the viable bomb “reprehensible” and “reckless”.

"Shortly after 8.50am on Sunday, January 16, police received and responded to a report that a device had been left in the area,” said Inspector O‘Brien.

“The object, which was located in the Tullyview area, has been declared as a small, viable pipe bomb type device and was made safe by ammunition technical officers. It has since been taken away for further forensic examinations.

“Cordons have now been greatly reduced and I am keen to reiterate our gratitude to local people, and all those inconvenienced, for their patience as we work to make the area safe.

"This was a completely reckless act and those responsible have shown a blatant disregard for the lives of others. Their actions are reprehensible and are not supported by the local community.

"It is thanks to the assistance of members of the public and the attending services that no injuries were sustained or damage caused as a result of this.

"At this stage, we believe that the device may have been left sometime between the evening of Saturday, January 15 into the morning of Sunday, January 16.

"Our enquiries continue as we work to establish a motive and we would appeal to anyone with information, or who witnessed anything suspicious, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 459 of 16/01/22.”

North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said: “Whoever and for whatever purpose this device was place on this vehicle, it was a reckless and needless action.